EXTENDING BETTONG HABITAT INTO PRIVATE LAND

Overview

This project is improving northern bettong habitat in the Mareeba region of the Wet Tropics by working with private landholders and others in the local community.

Background

Northern bettongs are listed as endangered, with an estimated population of 1000 in the wild. The only known populations are in the Mt Carbine and Lamb Range areas of the Mareeba region, and they are declining.

These bettongs live in open eucalyptus forest and their habitat is very restricted – in some places the forest is only 6km wide. Its declining condition and extent are the main threats to the northern bettong species.

Conservation work to date has focused on national park areas.

Location

Mareeba region

Solutions

  • Landholder engagement in target areas
  • Developing fire management partnerships with traditional owners
  • Controlled burns to manage 10ha of habitat at Lamb Range
  • Reducing threats in the Lamb Range and Mt Spurgeon areas.

Partners

Northern Bettong Recovery Team, traditional owners, freehold land owners and government agencies.

Funders

This two-year project is supported by Terrain NRM through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

national landcare programNorthern bettong images: Stephanie Todd

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